The Ringgold Tigers hold a 29-6 overall record entering the Class AAA championship series against the Columbus Blue Devils Monday. First pitch for Game 1 will be at 4:00 p.m. and Game 2 will commence at 7:00 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 will be played Tuesday, beginning at 3:00 p.m. on the Tigers’ home turf.
The Tigers doesn’t want to push the envelope of hypotheticals and waiting around. The Tigers’ practices leading up to the state final consisted of players soaking in ice baths and diligent stretching. The Tigers look to be as limber as possible for the series.
Coach Brent Tucker and his Tigers are ready to wash away painful memories of elimination at the hands of the Blue Devils two years in a row.
“We are excited about it, it is going to be at our place,” Tucker said. “In 2010 we played them for a championship and they put us out, last year they got us in the third game. Both teams know each other; both programs have a lot of respect for each other. We won’t prepare any different for Columbus than we did for Gainesville, we just want to go into it, prepare for it the best we can.”
Statistically, the Tigers have scored more than the Blue Devils this season (296-259). Conversely, Columbus holds an overall record of 31-4 and has allowed 14 fewer runs than Ringgold, 77-63.
The Tigers will have a sea of blue and white pack the stands for the title fight. A recent post-game celebration after the Gainesville victory let the Tigers know how much they are appreciated around Ringgold.
“We got in that night around 9:30,” Tucker said. “There were about 45 to 50 students and teachers waiting on us. They had signs on the press box that said, ‘Go Tigers, State Finals.’ If you go down to the local restaurants, there is a little talk about Ringgold baseball right now.”
Tucker is proud of a few seniors who have contributed to the squad this year. Tucker mentioned the likes of senior catcher Corey Kafka, senior second baseman Allen Mochabee and junior pitcher Austin Parrish, who has thrown a few gems in these playoffs. Tucker feels this group has carried the Tigers to the next level.
Tucker singled out one senior player who hasn’t touched the infield dirt, the outfield grass or picked up a bat this season. He shows up everyday with a positive attitude and leads by example.
The mystery man is senior Matthew Crownover. Crownover shows up in full gear every practice and is vocal in the dugout as a senior leader that Tucker sincerely appreciates.
Staring across the baseline chalk Monday, both the Tigers and Blue Devils will clash in what is sure to be a classic final played by young men who appreciate the beauty of high school baseball.
“You just got to go out there and make some opportunities for yourself,” Tucker said. “We are going to need some big hits. We are going against a team that has won back-to-back state titles and supposedly the best team they’ve had. We have to go out there and do our thing; if nothing else we will see where we are.”
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